Best Navigation Systems in the UK

Modern GPS devices have proven themselves to be quite handy devices, but most of them always seem to be lacking something. Whatever features or information they lack often comes down to the lack of built-in storage. The makers of the TomTom L134055 6 Inch Car Sat Nav have been quite aware of this problem for a while, and have created a device that includes plenty of storage options as well as the ability to upgrade the storage capacity should the need arise. This device comes with 16 GB of internal storage, which is quite a bit when compared to many other competing devices. Although this may seem small when compared to something like a smartphone's storage capacity, keep in mind that such a device doesn't need all of the apps that a smartphone does, freeing up much of that storage for things that are useful, such as maps.

Although 16 GB should be plenty for most people, those who find themselves needing more will be pleased to learn that the device can support additional storage through the use of SD cards, as it supports those as large as 32 GB. In addition, you won't have to worry about slow operation of the device thanks to the quad-core processor that it uses, providing smooth and stutter-free functionality.

The advance of in-car technology has had a strange effect on the experience of driving. On one hand, having something like an electronic navigator can make your driving experience far easier than it had ever been before, letting you see where you are going and helping to prevent you from getting lost. On the other hand, though, having such devices in a car can lend itself to causing distractions that simply weren't there before. Using a navigator often requires you to take your eyes off the road in order to see where you're going. Also, with the prevalence of smartphones, drivers can also become distracted by incoming calls and notifications, leading to an unsafe driving experience.

The TomTom Go Basic 5 inch Car Sat Nav is an electronic navigator that will help swing the balance of your driving experience back towards safety, thanks to some of its features that prevent you from needing to take your eyes off the road. The function of displaying messages from a smartphone on the screen of the navigator will be very useful for drivers who are actively using social networks: the system can display them in text form or even voice them so that you are not distracted from driving, letting you watch where you're driving instead of having to focus on a small screen.

Garmin is not only about the latest navigation systems but also about style. Already at the first glance at the Garmin Drive 51LMT-S navigator, you’ll definitely notice its sleek metal casing that makes it look different from the majority of its rivals. The gadget has a 5-inch multi-touch screen with 800x480 pixels resolution that provides great quality of maps so that you are never confused with where you are. However, we are sure that aside from the nice look and detailed picture on the screen, you want your satellite navigation system to be functional and convenient to use, and the Garmin Drive 51LMT-S meets these requirements.

First of all, let us point out that this GPS device provides you with full maps of Europe and their lifetime updates. Updating your maps is as easy as anything thanks to a built-in Wi-Fi option that allows you to get new maps without turning your PC on. Two more outstanding features of this navigator are live traffic and live parking options. Thanks to these very functions, you will always know which route to take in order not to get stuck in a traffic jam and how to park your car without the need to look for free parking space.

Another benefit that deserves your attention is voice navigation option that rids you of the necessity to keep your eyes on the GPS screen all the time when you travel around an unfamiliar area. Just tell your gadget your point of destination and your smart Garmin Drive 51LMT-S will lead you there using convenient and clear instructions. One more feature you’d like your navigation system to possess is Bluetooth calling that allows you to pick up the phone while having your hands on the wheel, and it’s possible with this Garmin navigator.

The last but not the least feature we’d like to mention is that the 51LMT-S offers you points of interest offered by the TripAdvisor. This option will be of great use for those who travel in a foreign city/country since you can see what hotels and restaurants are on your way, look at their rates, and choose the ones you like best.

Garmin has been one of the biggest names in navigation devices for years now, and as such, they have managed to leverage their expertise in car navigation systems by creating the Garmin Drive 52 UK MT-S 5 Inch Sat Nav. This device contains many of the latest features that aid drivers in making it safely from point A to point B, including full voice navigation. Although this device is hardly the only model to feature voice navigation (most models now offer this functionality), very few are able to match the level of detail added in this model's capabilities. Not only do you get full voice navigation with street names, but also through the use of landmarks, helping you easily identify specific streets and areas by what all is in the area, not just the names of the streets. This allows for a fully safe driving experience where you never need to take your eyes off the road to see where you need to go.

Voice navigation isn't the only way to find your way around with this device. For those who appreciate being able to see a map in front of them, this device provides fully up to date maps of the UK and Ireland, accessible through simple menus that won't distract you from your driving. While this device's maps may be limited in compared to other devices, you will find them to be as accurate and easy to follow as they come.

When regular 4 and 5-inch navigators simply don’t cut it, especially when it comes to actually monitoring the route ahead, your best bet would be getting a bigger navigation system for your car. Fortunately, this model from NAVRUF features a 7-inch wide screen with a bunch of handy additions to the screen.

With this 7-inch touchscreen, the model's larger than most navigation tablets out there. Though it has a resolution of only 800 x 480 pixels, it's more than enough to cover demanding navigational needs without breaking a sweat. Furthermore, owing to the touchscreen nature of the matrix, you can zoom-in to any part of the route whenever it is needed.

Resolution aspects aside, let’s take a closer look at other quality-of-life features that are included in the core package. Firstly, it is the 3D Navigation Select Markers that not only adjust to your current position on the map but also provide additional information on demand. What is great about this system is that it doesn’t clutter the interface while being useful for longer trips, especially if you haven’t travelled a particular route before.

Secondly, it is the adjustment system that lets you adjust the route according to your vehicle’s dimensions, be it a truck, bus, or a regular town car like a sedan or hatchback. This, combined with the 3D markers, makes it easier to select a faster, less difficult route and avoid getting stuck in the traffic.